In this episode of Dubai Real Estate Unplugged, Paul Sharland and Steven Leckie, Associate Directors at haus & haus, look back on one of Dubai’s most successful waterfront developments, the Peninsula project in Business Bay. They discuss how this master-planned community reshaped investor confidence, why early buyers have seen outstanding returns and how Peninsula has set a new benchmark for urban living in central Dubai.
Key takeaways
- Peninsula has transformed Business Bay into a true community-driven investment hub.
- Strong developer credibility and favourable payment plans fueled exceptional ROI.
- Waterfront location and walkable urban design set a new standard for Dubai waterfront properties.
The Peninsula model illustrates how master planning creates long term value in city living.
The origins of peninsula: from concept to launch
Paul recalls first seeing a private presentation of the project in 2021 and immediately recognising its potential. Developed by Select Group, Peninsula Business Bay launched officially in October 2021 and was one of the few new Dubai waterfront properties at the time offering both community design and investment value.
Early pricing, starting from around AED 1,700 per sq.ft with a 30/70 payment plan and DLD fee waiver, made it stand out from competing launches. “It was one of those rare moments where you knew it would perform,” Paul explains. “The combination of pricing, location and developer credibility was unbeatable.”
Community and lifestyle: the foundation of value
Steven emphasises that the project’s success comes down to its community-first approach. Unlike much of Business Bay, which is made up of standalone towers, Peninsula creates a walkable micro-neighbourhood with retail, cafés and landscaped public areas.
He explains, “Any development that builds genuine community value, similar to Dubai Hills Estate or Dubai Creek Harbour, tends to outperform the wider market.” Peninsula’s integrated layout, limited car traffic and direct canal frontage have helped redefine what buyers now expect from Peninsula projects.
Early investors and exceptional returns
The podcast highlights how early investors achieved remarkable capital appreciation.
A two-bedroom apartment purchased for around AED 1.6 million during the initial launch is now valued above AED 2.1 million, with many units seeing gains of 60 per cent or more.
Steven notes that haus & haus agents themselves were among the first buyers. “Around twenty team members invested personally, which shows how much belief we had in the development,” he says. “Many still own their properties and plan to hold long term.”
Design and delivery: a benchmark for waterfront living
As handovers began in 2025, Paul describes walking through Peninsula 5 and being struck by the exceptional quality. From five star lobby finishes to large gyms and landscaped courtyards, Select Group’s delivery exceeded already high expectations.
“The attention to detail was outstanding,” Steven adds. “When you walk around, you realise it’s more than just another tower, it’s a destination.”
The absence of through-traffic, underground parking and abundant green space create a sense of calm unusual for a downtown location, confirming Peninsula Business Bay as one of the most desirable Dubai waterfront properties to date.
Why peninsula became an investment blueprint
Paul and Steven describe Peninsula as a model for how Business Bay can evolve into a more liveable and connected district. Its success demonstrates the growing investor demand for well-planned, mid-to-high-rise communities with lifestyle value.
They predict that future Peninsula projects and other upcoming waterfront developments will continue this trend, blending high returns with design-led living that appeals to both residents and investors.
